PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3970EA RARE PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH MADE IN 1990

Dial: silvered, day and month in ItalianCaliber: cal. CH27-70 Q manual winding movement, 24 jewelsMovement number: 875609Case: 18k pink gold, solid screw down case backCase number: 2881770Size: diameter 36 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on September 3, 1990 with an 18k pink gold case with pink gold indexes, bi fold and booklets

CASE Case in overall good condition with wear and surface scratches consistent with age and use. Upper left lug with gold mark still crisp and legible. Lower right gold mark is visible but lightly rubbed. Upper right lug with a heavy scuff mark with some loss to the gold material. Some wear and scuffing throughout. Some very small nicks to the bezel closest to the crystal glazing especially at 3, 9, 10-11. Likely some previously light polish. Please note that the buckle is signed PPC and stamped for 18k gold. The buckle bar and prong is not of 18k gold material and may be a later replacement. Please note that there is no secondary case back available with this lot. DIAL Dial is attractive and in overall excellent condition. A very small surface spot at 7 o'clock near "25" visible under very close observation with a loupe. Some very light dust. MOVEMENT Day and Month apertures phasing but with some lag - full stop at 2 o'clock. Perpetual calendar phasing but may require service at the purchaser's discretion. Chronograph function operating. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Patek Philippe launched this model Ref. 3970 in 1986 and continued production for approximately two years. It features a solid snap-on case back. It was replaced with Ref. 3970E, which had a screw back rather than a snap back, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. This screw back model was produced until 2004. According to our research, Patek Philippe produced about 650 second series models in yellow, white, and pink gold, and platinum. Of this total number, only 60 pieces are said to have been manufactured in pink gold, with only 24 pieces known to the market today. Indeed, pink gold is the rarest case color across all the series of this reference, making the present lot a particularly rare find for collectors. 

The model was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. One main difference between the two models is the addition of the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial. The general design of the case of Ref. 3970/3970E, with its down turned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of iconic Ref. 2499.

As the Ref. 3970 was extremely well received in the market, Patek Philippe began increasing its production run during its last years of production, making an early model such as the present lot more remarkable today. 

This reference and caliber are illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 305.